Day 1
OVERNIGHT
FLIGHT
Take
the best of Italian culture – savory cuisine, friendly locals, eons of
history – and add the beauty of mystical lakes. A blend of winding
canals and gently lapping waves, this is the northern lakes region of
Italy. Delve deep into this relaxing hub, serving as a favorite getaway
for the international elite.
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Day 2
Lake Maggiore, Italy
- Tour
Begins
Your
journey begins in Lake Maggiore where you will settle in for a
leisurely 4-night stay, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Alpine
lakes region. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers as you
cruise to picturesque Isola dei Pescatori* for a welcome dinner
featuring regional delicacies and local wines.
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Day
3
Lake Maggiore -
Stresa - Lake Maggiore
Start
the morning by strolling the cobbled streets of Stresa. Long-favored by
European aristocracy because of its blend of elegant
belle-époque mansions, fragrant gardens and charming views,
Stresa has inspired artists and writers since the late 1800s. Enjoy the
rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps you’ll take an optional tour and
coast along the ethereal waters of Lake Maggiore for an up-close look
at the Borromean Islands before docking at Isola Bella,** known as the
“beautiful island.” Join an expert guide and venture into the Borromeo
Palace, a Baroque beauty with an exotic garden. Then, return to your
boat and cruise by the remaining Borromean Islands.
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Day
4
Lake Maggiore - Lake
Como - Lake Lugano - Lake Maggiore
Take a scenic drive along the glittering
shores of Lake Como, before sailing to Bellagio, an ancient peninsula
home to winding streets and views that will take your breath away.
Enjoy some free time to discover the town’s secrets on your own before
making your way back via a drive along Switzerland’s Lake Lugano and
returning to Lake Maggiore in time for dinner at your hotel.
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Day
5
Lake Maggiore
The
entire day is yours. You may want to soak up the sun on the beach,
relax in an outdoor café, or head out on the waves by boat.
Perhaps you will take an optional tour to picture-perfect Lake Orta, a
hidden gem surrounded by romantic villages and filled with quaint
islands, before returning to Lake Maggiore where the evening is yours
to enjoy the twinkling lights that illuminate the shores as night falls
on the lake.
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Day
6
Lake Maggiore - Lake
Garda - Treviso
This morning, head to Sirmione, an ancient
village situated on the shores of Lake Garda. Enjoy time at leisure to
discover the narrow streets, take in views of its famous sinking
castle, or simply relax alongside the bright blue waves of the lake.
End the day at your hotel next to Treviso, in the Venetian mainland.
This evening, explore Treviso, an elegant town of painted houses and
quaint canals, crossed by the Sile and Botteniga rivers and encircled
by a set of Renaissance city walls.
Htl: Villa Pace Park
Hotel Bolognese |
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Breakfast |
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Day 7
Treviso - Murano
Island - Venice - Treviso
Start your day with a visit to Murano
Island,*** known for its intricate glass making. Witness a glassblowing
demonstration, providing a glimpse into the methods behind this fine
art. Feel the grandeur of the past come alive as you make your way to
Venice, a floating labyrinth settled on a lagoon. Pass through the
sprawling St. Mark’s Square with an expert guide and admire the
Campanile, a brick bell tower that rises above the piazza. Step outside
the main square and explore the Castello district, making your way past
historic buildings and architecture as you walk the narrow streets.
Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to your hotel in time for
dinner.
Htl: Villa Pace Park
Hotel Bolognese |
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Breakfast |
Dinner |
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DAY 8 TREVISO
The
day is yours to discover Treviso however you wish. Perhaps you will
choose to explore more of the Venetian mainland on an optional tour to
the enchanted hilltop village of Asolo, where the streets echo the
footsteps of the poet Robert Browning, composer Igor Stravinsky and
explorer Freya Stark. Continue your journey into the rolling hills of
Italy’s Prosecco region for a visit to a local vineyard where you’ll
taste the region’s sparkling specialty. This evening, celebrate the end
of a memorable journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Htl: Villa Pace Park
Hotel Bolognese |
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Breakfast |
Dinner |
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Day
9
TREVISO - Tour
Ends
Wish
Italy arriverderci as your tour comes to a close today.
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PASSPORT
& VISA INFORMATION
Certain countries
require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged
to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the
U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa
requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that our
clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and
applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual
passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your
emergency contact.
DESTINATION FACTS &
STATS
Time Zone
Italy is 6 hours ahead of
Eastern Standard Time.
The currency in Italy is the Euro.
Electricity
Voltage in Italy is 220V. An
adaptor (which changes the
physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current)
are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different
from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if
your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the
plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the
converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater
than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or
transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an
extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 2,400 feet.
Northern
Italy and Its Lakes
Plan Ahead, Reserve
Now!
Add
a
touch of
personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched
list of options. While Collette is known for our many inclusions, we
also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance
your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in
advance of your tour!
Availability
is
limited
and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must
be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are
subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by
an adult.
Lake Maggiore Cruise
Day 3 | Stresa
$80.00 pp
Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of
Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean
Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but
incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite,
world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf
of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way
along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive,
Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in
immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour,
surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse
inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly
decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside
to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore.
Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our
way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to
Stresa.
Treasures of Lake Orta
Day 5 | Lake Orta
$85.00 pp
Journey to picture-perfect Orta, a scenic
subalpine lake surrounded by ancient villages. During a guided tour,
visit one of Italy’s Sacri Monti (UNESCO)—chapels built in a scenic
location above the lake as pilgrimage sites for those who could not
afford the journey to Jerusalem. Then enjoy a boat ride to San Giulio
Island, a rocky island in the middle of the lake that provides
impressive views of the surrounding shore. Take a walk around the
island before returning to the mainland for time at leisure in the old
town of Orta, replete of quaint cobblestoned lanes and local cafes.
Asolo Village & Prosecco Winery
Day 8 | Treviso
$95.00 pp
In 1489 Venice bestowed upon Caterina Cornaro, former Queen of Cyprus,
the Seigniory of Asolo. In this hilltop haven, Caterina created a
magnificent Renaissance court of artists, men of letters and poets –
leaving an indelible imprint in the art and in the very ideal of the
city. Since Caterina’s time, this pilgrimage of great minds has never
ceased to reach Asolo, and still today its streets echo the footsteps
of Robert Browning, Henry James, Igor Stravinsky, Ernest Hemingway and
many others… Enjoy time at leisure to discover your favorite corner of
this enchanted hilltop village before continuing your journey into the
rolling hills of Italy’s Prosecco region. Visit a local vineyard where
you’ll taste the region’s sparkling specialty and toast to la dolce
vita – sweet life in the Venetian countryside.
is a global
leader of
world travel and Escorted Tours, offering 150 vacation choices on all
seven continents. We are a family-owned business, now in our third
generation of Sullivan-family ownership.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our whole purpose at Collette Vacations is to fulfill vacation dreams.
Our daily goal is to deliver to our family of travelers the highest
quality, best value and exceptional service, every time, everywhere. We
strive to create extraordinary vacation experiences on all 7
continents. Our greatest reward is planning our clients’ next trip. |
The
Collette
Difference
IT'S
IN
THE DETAILS
Our NO
WORRIES cancellation waver means you can cancel anytime prior to
the day of departure and receive a full
cash refund.
Add up the cost of hotels, transportation, meals, sightseeing and
entertainment and you'll find what an incredible savings
a tour offers.
On a tour, you'll find yourself saying, "I never would have thought to
try that!" We work everyday to uncover those gems that make your
vacation special. Let our experience
work for yours.
Don't
worry about
planning the details, getting directions, picking great hotels,
or purchasing sightseeing tickets - we do that!
Our tour
managers are with you from start to finish, taking care of every
detail - and brightening your vacation with history and anecdotes that
bring the destination to life. A Collette Tour means less time planning
and more time enjoying.
You pack the bags - we'll lug them around! That's right - when you're
on tour with us, we take care of all
luggage handling... including the tip!
The Difference Starts at Your Door
You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned a
trip somewhere wonderful in the
world. You’re here, on this page, because you are already thinking
about it.
We believe
travel should be easy and convenient, from start to finish.
That’s why we have introduced our
Included
Sedan Service:
- Collette’s roundtrip sedan service takes
you from your home to the
airport.
- It’s included with all air-inclusive
journeys to anywhere in the world.
- It’s yet another reason to travel even more.
Not
valid on group travel. Included in many U.S.
cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways.
Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One
transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route.
For parties of 3 or more alternate vehicles may be used. Other
restrictions may apply; call for details. |
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Why Travel on an Escorted Tour?
We
take the hassle out of travel, so you have all the fun. Here's how.
Our buying power gets you unbeatable value.
Our tours
include
your sightseeing, entertainment, admissions to museums and parks, great
hotels and many meals, making it a hassle free experience for you from
start to finish. Our hotels are centrally located, so you won't waste a
second of your free time in buses or cabs. Even your luggage is managed
for you.
We planned ahead, so Europe with us is still a
bargain.
We can
provide a
vacation to Europe, for example, at 15% less than you would pay if you
planned it on your own. There is no better time than now to buy a
packaged vacation.
Imagine seeing Thailand for less than $90 a day, and
that includes your hotel.
On our
Thailand -
Ancient Capitals and Countryside tour, you'll ride an elephant and
cruise the Mekong River into Laos, just two unforgettable included
experiences among 14 days worth of discoveries You'll also enjoy 26
meals on tour, including a dinner cruise on a rice barge. See the
Golden Buddha, the ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the colorful
pageantry of a Hill Tribe cultural show - it's all included!
It's like traveling with a friend who knows the area.
Your tour
manager
will be with you every step of the way, handling the tedious details of
travel, while you relax and enjoy the trip. They are seasoned
professionals with in-depth knowledge about your destination and a
passion for sharing it.
Our tour developers personally scout out the best for
you.
They search
for
accommodations, restaurants, attractions and entertainment to assemble
not only a fantastic trip, but create an entire experience that
captures the spirit of your destination. Learn the secrets of Tuscan
cuisine from a Florentine chef in Italy. Fly a kite in China. Feed a
kangaroo in Australia. Our tour developers love creating those
unforgettable moments that make your trip uniquely yours.
We've got something for everyone, from Branson to
Beijing.
Collette
Vacations travels to more than 150 destinations on all seven
continents. We also offer Explorations by Collette, small-group tours
with a maximum of only 16 - 24 passengers that wander off the beaten
path. Explorations tours feature boutique hotels, outdoor activities
and interaction with local people.
No Worries Protection Plan
What exactly is your cancellation waiver?
We have the
best
cancellation waiver in the industry-period. You can cancel your trip up
until the day prior to departure for any reason - sickness, change of
heart or any reason whatsoever-and you will receive a full refund,
minus the small cost of the insurance. That's a cash refund, not a
voucher or certificate. There's no risk when you book with Collette.
But isn't
it
expensive?
Not at all!
Let's
say you were planning to take our Italian Vistas tour for 13 days. The
land-only waiver is just $170 per person. That breaks down to about
$13.07 a day-just a little over eight euros! The land and air waiver is
only $30 more. That's airplane peanuts compared to the peace of mind
you'll enjoy.
Plus,
you're
covered on tour.
Our
cancellation
waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your
trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation,
suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or
more, you're covered.
Testimonials:
My
husband had an
accident in New Zealand…He subsequently had to be transferred by
ambulance to Invercargill (Southland Hospital) to have surgery on his
leg. He spent one week in the hospital. I am so glad we always take out
the insurance. This is our third trip with Collette and we always take
out the insurance…In spite of the accident, we had a wonderful time in
Australia and New Zealand up to Queenstown and we are very glad we took
the trip. Genevieve Gallagher, Clifton Park, NY
We
had one
unfortunate problem; one traveler broke her ankle…Thank goodness I
insist that my passengers take the insurance. Virginia Gratton,
Greenport, NY
CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN |
Exception: If
you originally purchased non-refundable airline tickets, the Waiver
does not provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes or fees in the
event of a cancellation or a return transportation benefit if you must
return home early. The air waiver does not cover medical evacuation or
additional expenses associated with a medical emergency.
The Waiver Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise
from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any
reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be
deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this
charge between the two passengers involved is solely their
responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling
client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of
the single supplement.
Payment of the Waiver Fee (if chosen) must be received by Collette
Vacations with your Deposit. The Waiver is non-transferable and valid
for each applicant only.
Collette Vacations can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held
liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of
any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Travel
Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees.
SCHEDULE
OF COVERAGES |
MAXIMUM
BENEFIT AMOUNT |
PART
A – Benefits Provided By Collette Vacations |
Pre-Departure
Cancellation Fee & Unused Services Waiver |
Up
to Trip Cost |
|
PART
B – Benefits Provided by the Insurance Company Listed Below |
Accidental
Death & Dismemberment |
$25,000 |
Accident
& Sickness Medical Expense |
$25,000 |
Emergency
Evacuation & Repatriation |
$50,000 |
Travel
Delay (Maximum of $100 per Day) |
$1,500 |
Baggage
and Personal Effects |
$2,000 |
Baggage
Delay |
$200 |
PART B CONDITIONS &
LIMITATIONS Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are
detailed in the Certificate of Coverage. For example, coverage does not
apply to: any sickness or condition of you, a Traveling Companion or an
Immediate Family Member traveling with you that existed during the 60
days prior to the effective date of the coverages (this exclusion is
waived if your plan payment is received by Collette Vacations within 7
days of your initial deposit/payment for your trip and you are not
disabled from travel at the time your plan payment is received),
suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous
disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person booked to share
accommodations in the same room with you during your trip. Sickness or
injury must require care by a Physician and must commence while the
Travel Protection Plan is in effect for you. This plan does not cover a
loss that results from an illness, disease, or other condition (of you,
an Immediate Family Member, Traveling Companion or Business Partner),
event or circumstance which occurs at a time when this plan is not in
effect for you.
Part B of this plan is underwritten by: Stonebridge Casualty Insurance
Company, Columbus, Ohio 464-03
Where to Present Part A
Claims
To request a refund under the Cancellation Fee and Unused Services
Waiver, please send any unused
airlines tickets (only if purchased from Collette Vacations), a
doctor’s note or medical documentation and a written request to:
Collette
Vacations
ATTN: Customer Service Department
162 Middle Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860 |
If cancellation
occurs
prior to departure, contact the Collette Vacations Reservations
Department.
When a client cancels prior to departure any due refunds are processed
through the booking agent. Agent commissions are not protected if
cancellation occurs prior to departure.
All Inquiries and Claims under Part B should be reported to the Plan
Administrator:
Trip Mate*
9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel: 800-888-7292
*In CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency |
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CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN PRICING (Per Person) |
Land Only Clients
- $30 for all
domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
- $110 for all
domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
- $110 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $170 for
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $195 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
- $205 for all
cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
When
purchasing pre and post night
accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will
be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter
your waiver fees. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of
booking.
Air
Inclusive Clients (air is
purchased through Collette Vacations)
- $60 for all
domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
- $140 for all
domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
- $150 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $200 for all
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $225 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
- $235 for all
cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
The
Cancellation Waiver fee with air can
only be purchased by individuals who have purchased air through
Collette Vacations.
Collette Tours is a
NON-FEE buy!
We will not charge a
fee for any/all tour
planning for Collette Vacations. Our services are absolutely
free when servicing this quality program. Rest assured, you will
receive the quality that you expect and the unique value of a
well-designed tour program from the beginning and planning stage to the
culmination of this exceptional journey.
Experience
the Collette Difference with Gardner Travel!
IT'S CALLED
WORRY-FREE TRAVEL
AND
IT MEANS OUR PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO!
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